Victims' Stories: Pauline

• Her relationship began in 1996 while her husband resided in Cuba
• They were married in Cuba in August 2002
• Family Class application submitted in August 2002
• Her husband arrived in Canada in late September 2004
• Shortly after arrival, he told Pauline that he only married her for entry into Canada
• In November 2004, her husband left the home and immediately applied for Social Assistance
• She has not seen her husband since he left the home in November 2004
• Sent letters to Federal Government, Ontario Welfare and Immigration notifying them she was used in a Marriage of Convenience
• Notified any and all she had been in contact with during sponsorship, including Prime Ministers office about her marriage and sponsorship of her husband being for convenience only
• Offered to pay his airfare back to Cuba but Immigration said too bad, she is still required to pay back welfare that he claimed after only being in the country for 2 months
• MP was notified of the situation, and did nothing to try to assist in case regarding welfare repayment or investigation of Marriage of Convenience
• He will be eligible for Canadian citizenship in one year